Belgium's dominance over New Zealand fuels Group G surge

Belgium thrashed New Zealand 5‑1 in their FIFA World Cup group match in Vancouver, securing a place in the knockout stage as Leandro Trossard netted a brace and Kevin de Bruyne added a goal and two assists for the Red Devils. Trossard opened the scoring in the 28th minute after Kevin de Bruyne delivered a corner that bounced off New Zealand defender Tim Payne before the Arsenal forward finished from close range. The early lead highlighted Belgium's superiority from the first whistle. Five minutes into the second half, de Bruyne threaded a pass to Trossard, whose initial shot was blocked before he volleyed the rebound into the near post for his second goal. The goal restored Belgium's two‑goal advantage.

Belgium clinches Group G lead as New Zealand struggle in Vancouver

In the 66th minute, de Bruyne struck a crisp left‑foot shot from about 20 yards into the bottom corner to make it three for Belgium. His strike cemented the Red Devils' control of the match. New Zealand reduced the deficit when Elijah Just thumped in his third tournament goal, offering a brief respite for Rudi Garcia's side. However, the All Whites could not sustain the momentum.

Leandro Trossard's masterclass lifts Belgium past New Zealand

Substitute Romelu Lukaku entered the field and headed in the equaliser just 56 seconds later, restoring Belgium's four‑goal cushion. Alexis Saelemaekers capped the scoring in injury time with a fifth goal. With Egypt failing to beat Iran, Belgium topped Group G on goal difference and will meet a third‑placed team in the last‑32 in Seattle on Wednesday at 21:00 BST. New Zealand, having earned only one point from three games, are eliminated from the tournament.